Tea Plant Basics

Tea is a beverage made from the leaves of Camellia sinensis. Only after water, Tea is the most consumed beverage in the world. For over 5000 years it has played an unique role in history. It has brought people together and ripped people apart. It has made us feel better, think clearer, and comforted us when we needed it. It affects us all – in body, mind and spirit. Tea has successfully been grown in regions all across the globe in both large scale plantations and in back yard gardens.

Health Benefits of Growing Your Own Tea

Growing Your Own Tea is healthier to consume and will be very rewarding is something that the whole family can enjoy in even the smallest of places. Camellia sinensis or Tea is the ultimate edible!

Where Can Tea Grow

Tea can be grown outdoors in climate zones 7,8,9 and 10. It prefers warm, humid climates with adequate rainfall. In colder climates, of zone 6 and lower, tea can be grown during the dormant season in protected greenhouses, containers or even indoors – and outdoors during flushing season.

Soil For Growing Tea

Camellia Sinensis prefers well drained soil with organic matter and sufficient nutrients. Soil pH of 5-6 is suitable. For container culture, avoid bagged potting soils with a lot of peat moss. They do not drain well and can suffocate the roots. Supply a mix that is organic, has larger and smaller pieces of natural matter – sticks, barks, chips, etc. Miracle Grow Orchid Soil or Miracle Grow Garden Soil for Shrubs and Trees would be suitable container mixes.

Fertilizing Camellia Sinensis

A balanced diet is required for growing Camellia sinensis and organic fertilizers are preferred over synthetic ones.

Each year, just before spring flush, prune plants heavily. Remove any dead or diseased limbs. Pruning will encourage new growth and lots of branches for a very bushy plant.

Harvesting Tea

Harvest leaves from soft, fresh, new growth that begins in the spring. Don’t harvest older growth. Harvesting season will be determined by your climate. The warmer your climate, the longer your harvesting season will be. Typically in zone 8-9, the growing season will be from April-May thru September.

Learn More About Growing and Making Your Own Tea from The Tea Gardener Blog

WHERE TO BUY

Tsubaki Tea™ is sold through our online shop and also through our retail store in Savannah Ga.